Kings hospital milk bank

[Blueskies]

Hi all

Just wanted to give a plug for the kings milk bank. The ladies that run it are always looking for new milk donors. They're really lovely and organise coffee mornings so you can meet the team and hear about how your donations help the tiny and sick babies in the unit. They can be contacted on 020 3299 3038.

[etta166]

I would second that. Donating is not as hard as you think it might be, becuase they don't need much from eqach donor. Banked milk makes a huge difference in the neonatal unit, so if you think you could do it, then give it a go.

[dildals]

My baby had some donor milk at the very start of her life, because I wasn't able to produce milk for her at the time.

You are doing an amazing job if you decide to donate to the King's milk bank. You are helping the little babies at the neonatal ward to get the best start!

Thank you on behalf of the mums who have babies on the ward.

[Blueskies]

Thanks dildals! Lovely to hear from you and glad the donor milk helped your baby :) It definitely helps motivate me to express and donate when you hear about the difference it's made.

Etta I quite agree, it is easier than you think to express once you get into a routine.

Do give the ladies at kings a ring if you're interested. X

[KattyKit]

Hi,

Do you have to have your own pump or can you borrow / hire one? I will finish feeding my daughter in a couple of months and would be interested in donating but I don't have a pump....

Kirsten

[Blueskies]

Hi kattykit

I use my own pump so I'm not sure if they do hire them, would suggest giving them a call - number at the top of the thread- they're usually away from the phone as its a busy ward but they do respond to messages within a day or so. Good luck x

[etta166]

When I was donating, you had to have your own pump and also have a baby that was less than 6 months old at the time you start donating. NCT hires pumps if you don't already have one, or you can pick up one that is inexpensive/free on the forum.

[simonethebeaver]

Could I just add that as well as the, obviously fantastic milk bank, if anyone has been inspired by this to want to donate but for some technicality is unable to, then there is a website operating through Facebook called Human Milk for Human Babies (HM4HBUK) which enables women to donate directly to babies that wouldn't qualify for milk bank milk. My baby has benefited from milk from milk bank donors who accidentally used the wrong storage bags, had to use antibiotics, people who wanted to donate but left it too late etc.